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  • Nigeria and the challenges of 2019: This is not a game – Tinubu

    Nigeria and the challenges of 2019: This is not a game – Tinubu

    FULL TEXT OF DAILY TRUST DIALOGUE BY FORMER LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU

    The mouths of babes speak truths that the hoary and the wise dare not utter. This may be an unusual way to begin an address on the political challenges that lie before us. But I have good reason for this unique entrance.

    Before I provide that reason, permit me to commend the Daily Trust for having the foresight to inaugurate this important event 15 years ago.

    This dialogue has enriched our democratic discourse. As such, it has served us all well no matter one’s partisan stripe or political affiliations.
    More profoundly, the Daily Trust has established itself as a pillar of journalism. It has become a well-respected, widely read newspaper, an objective platform for the exchange of views regarding the evolution of our country.

    I thank the Daily Trust for the honor of addressing this important gathering at such a national moment, freighted with such consequence.
    I must add a caveat at this point. I do not stand here in my partisan garb. The partisan moment will soon come and I will actively engage in it when it does.
    But that moment is not now. Today, I speak to you as your compatriot, a man who seeks the best for his family, community and nation. I am not here to contend with anyone. I am here that we may better understand one another.
    “From the mouths of babes…….”

    I repeat this phrase because of a talk with some young children a few weeks ago.
    One of the children raised his voice, saying the old people’s game will soon start. The statement puzzled me as I could not guess the sport he meant.
    I was taken even more off guard when he answered my subsequent question by exclaiming: “politics.”

    The young boy described how politics seemed but a game. He explained that people joined parties which were nothing more than teams.
    Partisans dress in funny clothes with peculiar symbols on them, carry banners at big rallies in stadiums just like fans at a football match. And politicians always boasting that the contest will be tough but they will beat the other side just like opposing footballers do.
    He concluded the only difference was victory in sports was measured by goals scored while in politics it was defined by votes gained.

    Initially, I was amused by the boy’s observations. I tried to explain the differences between politics and games. Yet after the children left, I pondered his observations in earnest. It hit me that his comparison was more accurate than I dared admit.
    Too many of us for too long have treated politics as a game open only to an elite, exclusive club of players. The nation and the people constituted the pitch upon which the game would be decided.

    This incorrect mindset has misshaped our politics and injured the nation in ways mundane and profound.
    Approaching nearly 60 years of independence, Nigeria remains a complex yet incomplete work of art, a project as much on the drawing board as it is our daily reality.

    For too many, Nigeria itself is a game. They are not wedded to the idea and ideals of Nigeria as a diverse and democratic but unified nation.
    They see the nation not as object of loyalty but as the most available platform to realize their personal aims. In their minds, Nigeria is lesser than their ever expanding ambitions. Because they view Nigeria as a game, their politics is but a game within a game.
    Instead of being a joyous nation, we have become a cruel playground where the fears and concerns of the average person get exploited but their interests never get promoted.

    While democratic politics inherently bear aspects of competition and contest, it must never be reduced to a mere game.
    The objective of a game is served by the mere playing of it. Playing the game is an end in and of itself. However, this cannot be the case with politics and elections.
    Winning the political contest can never be an end in itself.
    The proper outcome of electoral victory is not for the victor to revel at his good fortune or his skill in electioneering. The inevitable sequel to an election is for the winner to assume the sobering burden of governance.

    Elections are not the climax of an epic book. They are merely the close of the book’s opening chapter.
    What comes afterwards – governance — is much more vital than politics, for governance determines how we shall live.
    Whether we shall inhabit the lush fields of growth and prosperity, or the thorny bog of despair,
    Whether we join in unison to overcome common social and economic afflictions or allow those afflictions to set us against each other in a ceaseless barrage of recrimination and animosity,
    Whether we stand for justice and fairness for every Nigerian or stand for nothing at all, the quality of governance will determine these important things.
    Politics determines governance and governance defines the life we lead. Thus, politics can never be a game. It is a link in that vital process that spins either toward progress or toward the accumulation of problems and their dire consequences.
    In this regard, 2015 was a watershed year. People jettisoned the political game as usual. They rejected worn political affiliations and superficial loyalties for a chance at substantive change.
    The people realized the political game had theretofore been played against rather than for them.
    Prejudiced notions of all kinds were cast aside. Inducements that had enticed people before did not work that time. The people voted to better Nigeria.
    Yet we must acknowledge that cynical politics as a game had been played, so long that it has become institutionalized.
    The bad game permeates every institution of the political economy.
    Ridding the nation of this rot is not a game. It is tantamount to moral as well as political warfare. Thus, we must not play at it.
    We must fight desperately as if the fate of the nation depends on the outcome. For our fate actually does depend on it.
    The battle waged during one election cycle is not enough to win this war.

    Curing the ills that plague our house will require many years of outstanding governance.
    Thus, it is imperative that we not allow politics as usual to claim the 2019 election season away from us.
    We must insist on the principle that elections do not return to being games played by a well-heeled elite while the rest of the nation is left to struggle and starve.
    The people must resist all appeals to unthinking passions and old prejudices. We must adhere to what our conscience reveals as the best path to good governance for all.
    For me, that path has always been a progressive one that harks to the need to materially transform the power relationships upon which this political economy is based. Despite the progress made, too much political and economic power resides in the hands of too few. This results in a society described by too much unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, too little food, yet too much poverty.
    For the debate needed on how best to tackle these structural problems, 2019 must not be a game between players similar in every way save the political party costume they wear.
    The election to come must be a contest of different visions for the nation’s present and future.
    As a progressive, I believe we must transform the nation by embarking on deep and impactful reforms, by creating more jobs, providing social policy initiatives and building an infrastructure befitting a leading nation. Social services must become a reality close at hand and not a vague dream lying in the distance.
    For example, we must reform the current fuel subsidy regime. At this stage it causes more problems than it cures. Bottlenecks of long fuel queues, erratic supply, resultant economic dislocations for consumers from lack of fuel and the corrupt practices of trade insiders undermine the good intentions upon which the subsidy is based. Currently, the subsidy does not benefit the average person. It sweetly profits the elites who manipulate the program to their own advantage. We need to allow market forces to more directly determine price. We need to open the now closed market to more suppliers. In this way, we may better harmonise supply and demand, where they do the most sustainable economic good.
    In addition, we must repair our social safety net. Old people who have given so much to the nation are being shortchanged and forced to live in penury when they should be living in the dignity due their advanced years and their former labors.
    Mr. President won the 2015 election on a platform that included economic recovery, job creation and improved welfare for workers. In keeping with his promise, one of his first executive actions was to arrange federal funding of nearly N800b for states to pay salary arrears; also, the subsequent refund of over N800b of Paris Club excess payment came with a similar guidance to State Governors to prioritise salary arrears and payments.
    These laudable initiatives notwithstanding, clearing of salary arrears is still not fully achieved although it has clearly taken on an importance not seen in prior governments. Meanwhile, the issue of longstanding mounting arrears of pension payments and retirement benefits to public sector workers remains outstanding. The total figure is estimated in trillions. This not only results in untold hardship for pensioners and their families, it denies the economy of needed stimulus and growth from the increased purchasing power resulting from payment of pensions.
    In short, the progressive governance we seek will open the door to affordable housing for the average family, consumer credit for those with steady employment and the provision of basic welfare to our most vulnerable citizens.
    Against progressive this vision, the other side, the conservative party among us, believes they can miraculously improve the nation by retaining the old ways that led us into the ditch in the first instance.
    The past 3 years have captured the essence of our collective challenge. Progress has been made in part. However, advocates of the old ways have rebelled in full against even these partial blossoms of improvement.
    Yet, I maintain the unshakeable belief that smart, progressive governance can bring prosperity, tranquility and justice.
    During the past three years, this government has beaten Boko Haram into retreat. None of us should forget the looming threat Boko Haram posed and the fear it instilled in the general public just a brief time ago. It had planted its flag over Nigerian land, claiming territory bigger than several nations. It had kidnapped and killed at will, decimating towns and villages in its wake.
    The dreaded terrorist flag is nowhere to be seen and steadily people are returning to their homes, rebuilding their towns and villages in the process. Boko Haram may not be completely defeated but it shall never rise again to be the existential threat it once was. Because of this government’s policy, countless lives have been saved from the grasp of terror.
    In addition, this government has progressed in the fight against corruption through recovery of stolen public funds and bringing wrong-doers to justice.
    As progress is being made on these fronts, Nigeria also must face its biggest structural problem: our imbalanced economy and the poverty and misery it has caused.
    If a prophet, I would begin to prophesy at this point about all the good economic things that shall visit Nigeria and its people if we stay the proper course; in taking further bold action to reform and improve our political economy.
    But a prophet I am not.
    Yet, if you permit me the slight indulgence of considering myself, at least, a statesman in the making, may I then state unto you the issues this nation and those who govern it must address.
    I would be remiss at this moment if I failed to mention the terrible killings that have occurred in Benue and Taraba states.
    It is important that we place the current crisis in proper context. No one should pretend that this evil just suddenly appeared from nowhere. We have been living and dying with this lethal situation for many years.
    In years past, there have been herdsmen attacks smaller than this. There also have been attacks larger than this.
    The current hue and cry against these killings is hopefully a sign that we are maturing as a nation. That we shall no longer countenance the wanton destruction of human lives no matter the religion, ethnicity or origin of the victims or the villains. If so, maybe this nation is coming of age and none too soon.
    As such, this outcry is as welcome as it is overdue. We should have been agitating in this manner 5, 10, 15 years ago. Lives would have been saved. For reasons I cannot completely fathom we have come late to the point of strong, collective outrage at this bloodletting. Yet, all in all, late is better than never in this regard.
    This spirit of compassion and care must be enshrined in our political culture because it is integral to national greatness and democratic progress. True patriotism requires that you love more than the concept of Nigeria. You must love the people who comprise this nation, whether they worship in a church, mosque, and shrine or not at all.
    Over the course of history, nations have faced crises more crimson than this. Through wise policy, many nations emerged from the thicket better situated to realize their better destiny.
    These nations and their people are no better than us. We can and we must do the same thing.
    Against this backdrop, we must take prudent action. It is incumbent on the federal government to do what past governments neglected to do. We must forget our age-old prejudices in order to resolve this problem. What we need is serious committed action.
    At its essence, this crisis was not born of religious or ethnic hatred. It is about a shrinking amount of grass and water.
    In recent years the desert has expanded, consuming land once used to graze livestock. This pushed cattle herders farther and farther south to collide with the farmers who were there.
    Ecological peril spawned economic conflict which descended into violence.
    This violence has taken on religious, ethnic and regional consequences because of the identities of the parties involved. This tragic episode tolls a caution to us all.
    Left to fester, this problem expanded to assume dimensions that now tremors the body politic.
    This is what too often happens when dire problems are left unattended. Now, the current administration is moving to arrest the lethal situation.
    I welcome the deployment of more law enforcement and military into the troubled areas. These security measures will stem the immediate violence and loss of life.
    As we commend these security measures, we must not lose sight of the fact that the problem bears an economic origin. Thus, agro-economic policy initiatives must help shape the lasting solution.
    The crux of the matter is that the nomadic way of life is fast becoming obsolete. Large scale nomadic practice does not belong in this day and age. This is reality and it is inescapable.
    Thus, herders have no right to cling to this way of life by killing others. Government must stop their violence but also offer them a viable new way of life by moving them toward more modern, non-nomadic cattle rearing.
    Additionally, government should establish a relief and rehabilitation program for those families and communities that have been so grievously harmed.
    In short, to resolve this lethal problem, government must implement a multi-dimensional policy that encompasses security, agro-economic, educational and emergency relief elements. This is the art and mastery of governance that our nation and its complex problems require.
    In addition to mending this rupture of peace, I believe those who seek to enshrine good governance must boldly act to improve the quality of life of the people.

    1. We are a populous nation with large, ever-growing cities. We need to provide jobs for this expanding urban population.

    This means we must press forward with a national industrial policy by fostering strategic industries that will provide employment into the foreseeable future.
    2. We need a national infrastructure plan that envisions a coherent and integrated infrastructural grid, as no national economy may grow beyond the capacity of the infrastructure that serves it. This particularly is true of electrical power.
    3. We must reject the notion of orthodox economics that governmental balancing of budgets or surpluses are always good. In our case, following this mainstream approach may lead to perpetual stagnation and deter us from the brave steps required to promote true development.
    In this regard, an immediate opportunity to provide stimulus to the economy while simultaneously alleviating the hardship of retirees and old-age pensioners presents itself, through the comprehensive tackling of outstanding pension payments. While what is needed is a holistic review and reform of the disjointed social security and welfare apparatus, a good place to start would be the clearing up of existing pension arrears and the establishment of a framework for averting their future build-up. The wider task of comprehensive social security reform would inevitably require a high-level body to review and advise on the harmonization of various initiatives and deductions from workers’ payrolls in the name of welfare, such as pension contributions, national housing fund, national health insurance etc
    4. Monetary policy should move toward lower interest rates to make credit is more accessible to business and the consumer. This will spur industrial investment and help us reach more conducive levels of consumer demand. It also will dissuade people from corrupt temptations.
    The need to pay for homes and other costly items in one lump sum payment is a strong invitation to corruption. For example, if mortgages and credit instruments are more available to the judiciary, jurists would be able to purchase homes, decent care and other items considered the basic amenities of modern life via long-term installment payments that can be met through their salaries. Able to purchase these things properly and thus afforded a comfortable life, jurists would be less vulnerable to improper inducements.
    5. The government-backed home mortgage system must be re-structured and land conveyance more streamlined make mortgages and all forms of landed transactions are easier and less bureaucratic. This will increase the wealth of the nation and improve the efficiency of land use. It also opens the door to affordable housing for millions of families now beyond the reach of owning their own homes.
    6. Agriculture remains the backbone of the nation. We must help the common farmer by improving rural output and incomes. Here, we must revive an old policy that served us well. We must return to commodity exchange boards which will allow farmers to secure good prices and hedge against loss. An agricultural mortgage loan corporation should be inaugurated to further promote these goals.
    7. To achieve better levels of overall governance, we need to re-balance the duties between federal and state governments by giving states more power, authority and resources.
    8. Last, Government must be sufficiently bold to begin a process that will ultimately result in a government-backed pension plan for all elderly Nigerians, this is something akin to Social Security which all great nations provide for those of advanced age.

    CONCLUSION

    The challenge we face leading into 2019 is not to fall backward in governance and development as we move forward in time. Reform and change are difficult because they are always and everywhere resisted by those who benefit from the old order.
    But we must insist on a better life for our people. As such, the electoral politics of 2019 cannot be played as if a game that has no end other than itself. Here again, we must insist on politics having a nobler and larger goal than just registering certain people into the fraternity of officeholders.
    People must not only aspire and hold office; they must seek to govern prudently from that office.
    This is the challenge of 2019. Shall our elections be a game in and of itself or will it be a platform from which we continue to move toward the progressive, responsive governance Nigeria deserves.
    I know the path I prefer. Because the next time I speak with a child, I would rather that it be that I can tell him more about the nature of our politics than can he tell me.

    Tinubu was represented by former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Mr. Olawale Edun

  • Nigeria now a cruel playground – Tinubu

    Nigeria now a cruel playground – Tinubu

    The National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday lamented the ills that had befallen Nigeria, saying the country has now become a cruel playground where the average person is exploited and his interests never promoted.

     Speaking at the 15th Annual Daily Trust Dialogue, the former Lagos State governor, said it is unfortunate that despite the sacrifice that had been made in ensuring good governance for all Nigerians, too much political and economic power still resides in few hands.

    Tinubu, who was represented by a one-time Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Wale Edu, said Nigerians must resist all appeals to unthinking passions and old prejudices and adhere to what our conscience reveals as the best path to good governance for all.

    He said: “For me, that path has always been a progressive one that harks to the need to materially transform the power relationships upon which this political economy is based.  Despite the progress made, too much political and economic power resides in the hands of too few. This result in a society described by too much unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, too little food, yet too much poverty.

    “For the debate needed on how best to tackle these structural problems, 2019 must not be a game between players similar in every way save the political party costume they wear. The election to come must be a contest of different visions for the nation’s present and future.

    “As a progressive, I believe we must transform the nation by embarking on deep and impactful reforms, by creating more jobs, providing social policy initiatives and building an infrastructure befitting a leading nation. Social services must become a reality close at hand and not a vague dream lying in the distance.”

    Tinubu, who spoke on the topic “Nigeria and the challenges of 2019: This is not a game,” said too many of us for too long have treated politics as a game open only to an elite, exclusive club of players. The nation and the people constituted the pitch upon which the game would be decided.

    “This incorrect mindset has misshaped our politics and injured the nation in ways mundane and profound. Approaching nearly 60 years of independence, Nigeria remains a complex yet incomplete work of art, a project as much on the drawing board as it is our daily reality. For too many, Nigeria itself is a game. They are not wedded to the idea and ideals of Nigeria as a diverse and democratic but unified nation.

     

    “They see the nation not as object of loyalty but as the most available platform to realize their personal aims. In their minds, Nigeria is lesser than their ever expanding ambitions. Because they view Nigeria as a game, their politics is but a game within a game.

    “Instead of being a joyous nation, we have become a cruel playground where the fears and concerns of the average person get exploited but their interests never get promoted.

    “While democratic politics inherently bear aspects of competition and contest, it must never be reduced to a mere game. The objective of a game is served by the mere playing of it. Playing the game is an end in and of itself. However, this cannot be the case with politics and elections. Winning the political contest can never be an end in itself.

    “The proper outcome of electoral victory is not for the victor to revel at his good fortune or his skill in electioneering. The inevitable sequel to an election is for the winner to assume the sobering burden of governance. Elections are not the climax of an epic book. They are merely the close of the book’s opening chapter.”

     

  • Okorocha’s tirade against Tinubu

    SIR: Even though, Nigeria party politics is populated with all shades of characters, nonetheless, party traditions, ethos, norms, ethics and comportment, as well as respect for elders must not be compromised for whatever reasons. During the golden era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello, party faithful revered the trio highly. They were regarded as hearts and souls as well as the symbols and brands of their respective parties. Nigerians, irrespective of creed and race deferred to them for wisdom, wise counsel and proper direction to chart the course of the nation. No party member ever had effontery to pass insultive comments at them. The office holders then, were operating in tandem with manifestoes and dictates of the parties.

    However, today, the tide has changed. Some modern day leaders have arrogated so much importance to themselves that they constantly operate beyond the party brief. This new set of leaders have not only jettisoned party ethos and traditions, they have also thrown overboard, the manifestoes of the parties, preferring to craft another one for their states and by so doing, have attracted opprobrium and condemnation to the party from the camps of oppositions. Governor Rochas Okorocha is a reference point in this respect.

    His recent vituperation on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of APC was another needless, unnecessary and unsavoury attack on a leader who has made unparalled and unequalled sacrifice for the progress, growth and development of the party. Okorocha’s strange comment, that Asiwaju was crying more than the bereaved when the latter said that APC shouldn’t mimic the PDP’s penchant for short-circuiting internal democracy by promoting the idea of an automatic ticket in endorsing President Buhari for second term in office was insolent, unbecoming and calculated attempt to fan ember of discord and disharmony in the party. And it’s quite strange and suprising that the national chairman and the National Working Committee of the party have not deemed it fit to call him to order.

    For crying loud, who is Okorocha impressing? President Buhari, party hierarchy or his governor colleagues? It’s clear that none of these groups would be on the same page with him. The governor should be told in unmistakeable terms that internal democracy and honouring the letter and spirit of party rules and traditions can only strengthen the party and in fact, encourage its members, that the party does not give undue advantage to some and prevent others, to aspire to position of authority.

    The party’s all inclusive tradition and internal democracy was not an accidental devise of today. That has been the traditions and norms of the progressive. In fact, it’s the same culture that attracted other progressives across the nation, even including Rochas Okorocha to the party. Regardless of certainty or an outcome of a primary election particularly, presidential and governorship primary may seem to be, the party must ensure that the integrity of the process is not only maintained but, sustained.  Asiwaju has only enjoined members to adhere to democratic principles that have served the party so well, to the point of even sent packing an incumbent president from office. This was the position of national leader that has attracted the virulent attacks from Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    Suffice to remind the governor and very few party members who may share his awkward style of aspiring to elective office that PDP are gradually putting their house in order with particular reference to recent success of their national convention and are prepared to capitalize on any inadequacy and inefficiency of the ruling party to bounce back to reckoning. This is not the time to engage in divisive tendencies capable of truncating the vision of the party. This is not the time to fan embers of discord amongst the party members.

    • Kola Amzat,

    Lagos.

  • Tinubu: Salute to courage as history beckons again

    Tinubu: Salute to courage as history beckons again

    Today, in Africa, the motherland of humanity, the self-glorification of the continent as the cradle of human civilisation is fast obliterating into a deprecable aqua of oblivion. It is becoming pellucid for any responsible and objective African personage that what would mark and herald the continent’s progress in spite of the traumatised stage that global political economy and neo-power geopolitics and stratagem have confined the continent to, is an audacious tackling of the continent’s current vaudeville of social, economic, political, religious and cultural phantasmagoria. Anything short of this is vacuous sloganeering.

    Yet, not many of African leaders in all spheres of life, with emphasis on the political sphere have come to terms with the afore-stated grim reality. In Nigeria, the over-rated giant of Africa, a giant standing on spaghetti legs, the ruling class just like the ruling class in most of Africa, is still wallowing in delusion of grandeur and self-delusional hocus-pocus instead of waking up from slumber to tackle the hard stuff of governance and development. The recklessness and tactlessness of the PDP administration under President Goodluck Jonathan clearly demonstrates the imperative of the enthronement of a philosopher-king-leader. A philosopher-king of the Platonic guardian class anchorage, naturally brings finesse, rigour, discipline, fortitude, tact and above all, vision to governance.

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, since the inauguration of the Fourth Republic has brought deft, organisational dexterity, benevolence, discipline and progressive bonhomie to Nigerian politics. The national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has never been a pretender to power politics. He has always brought to bear his organisational skills and a given talent to strike the right chord at the right time. This is one African leader who is ideologically persuaded on how to turn the African fortune around as he continues to recruit well-heeled emergent leaders for the service of Nigeria. His knack for spotting and keeping very promising people with leadership potentials is unrivalled in contemporary Nigeria. A close look at the army of young turks  he worked with as governor of Lagos state between 1999 and 2007, who today are leading lights on the national stage foretells the sterner stuff of Asiwaju. His allies like Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Babatunde Fashola, Tunji Bello, Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo and a host of others amply demonstrate the sterner stuff of the APC national leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His recent rapproachment with the Afenifere group is a political masterstroke and has left the PDP opposition befuddled and in the horns of discombobulation, especially with the tattered, shattred and battered nose its Oduduwa political subalterns received in the hands of hijackers of their recently held national convention. PDP Southwest operatives who had basked in the gregarious and temerarious mire of wittling down the prodigious influence of Asiwaju in the politics of the Southwest now have to go back to the drawing board. The great efforts of the APC national leader in building bridges across ideological, ethnic and religious divides put him ahead as the master-strategist nonpareil in Nigerian politics today.

    Love him or hate him, what critics and admirers of Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot take away from him, is his organisational skills, a rare capacity to put his nose to the grind stone, a talent hunter, builder and investor in young men and women, imbued with cosmopolitan mien. As Senator in the aborted Third Republic, Asiwaju’s progressive jousting and performance in organising the opposition human rights and pro-democracy movements that challenged and defeated military dictatorship in the country is another testimonial to his progressive ranking.

    He did not only join in the mass struggle to resettle the military in its fortes, he galvanised numerous social forces (professional groups, radical patriots and socialists, minority ethnic rights groups, leading centrists, even progressive retired military officers, farmers, traders, taxi drivers, tailors, fishermen, leading members of the clergy and their followers) to ensure the nation survives the onslaught and devastating macho-politics of military jackboots. He gave life to radical newspapering in the country which called off the bluff and swashbuckling megalomania of the “kill-and-go” mien of the late General Sani Abacha.

    Indeed, at a time when many great and respected Nigerians were hunted and murdered for their anti-establishment political activities, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu doggedly and ruggedly refused to tergiversate.  He retreated into exile and battled the Abacha junta to luxation. Tinubu’s humanism and flair for constitutionalism was consummated as the governor of Lagos State between 1999 and in 2007.

    Today, we are living witnesses to the giant strides of Tinubu as governor.  In his bid to test and concretise the quest for federalism, the APC national leader as governor of Lagos State created local councils and funded them. Some other states which initiated the Lagos model could not withstand the onslaught of the federal government under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who dictatorially stopped the Lagos State’s federal allocation. Other states quickly retraced their steps and annulled their newly created councils. But, Lagos State under the dogged and cerebral Asiwaju, a federalist to the core, truly committed to the ideals of federalism in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi- cultural Nigeria pushed on with his newly created councils without Federal allocations for a number of years till he left office in 2007. Critics would easily say that Lagos is rich with huge internally generated revenue which emboldened Asiwaju to dare then President Obasanjo, but we all do know that if Asiwaju was spineless and pusillanimous, or even opportunistic to curry Obasanjo’s favour, he would have caved in and abrogated the councils he created.

    It took the Supreme Court ruling for Lagos State to convert its new councils to Development Areas. The lesson from Asiwaju’s resilience and political sagacity is to put the question once again whether Nigerian States are ideologically committed to the struggle to refederalise Nigeria, with the states or federating units reclaiming some of their rights and functions? The great federalist believes in action than cheap propaganda. Nonetheless, the lesson was not lost. The Asiwaju political machine made a statement that remains a watershed in the struggle for federalism in contemporary Nigeria.

    As the nation returns to electoral politics in the months ahead, the All Progressive Congress (APC) must leverage on the political fortunes and far-reaching socio-political  networks of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The Jagaban is already doing what he knows how best to do- reaching out to all that matter on the political stage, building bridges across the land to enhance the electoral chances of the APC.

    Asiwuja should and must also reach out to other politically estranged groups in the other geopolitical zones to fortify the chances of our great party in the 2019 general elections. Nigeria has always been Asiwaju’s political pet project and that is the more reason I call on him to shame and disappoint all those political Lilliputians who are praying so hard that there should be a crevice and snap in the tender and delicate political relationship between him and President Buhari. President Buhari needs Asiwaju Tinubu in 2019 just the same way Asiwaju Tinubu needs President Buhari in 2019. BUT A STEADY AND PROGRESSIVE NIGERIA NEEDS THE TWO OF YOU TOGETHER MORE. Truth be told. The other political parties are not offering better alternatives for the progress of our great country. History truly beckons again.

     

    • Honourable Obahiagbon is former Chief of Staff to former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and a former member of the House of Representatives.

     

  • Tinubu seeks support for Buhari in Xmas message

    Tinubu seeks support for Buhari in Xmas message

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari “so that the country can overcome its current challenges”.

    He urged Nigerians to learn from Jesus Christ “who faced and overcame the greatest evil” by uniting to overcome our challenges.

    In a Christmas message issued yesterday and signed by Alhaji Tunde Rahman, his Special Adviser on Media, Tinubu said: “Today, Christmas Day, is one of the most precious days of the year for it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Be you Christian, Muslim or just a human being with a soul that yearns for peace, compassion and hope, Jesus Christ belongs to all of us. His teachings are universal in application and speak of truths eternal.

    “This Christmas, let us acknowledge his birth but let us also give that acknowledgement its fullest meaning by recognising how Jesus lived and what he lived for. He reached out to all. Jesus fed the poor and healed the sick. He spread compassion and charity and preached love and justice. There are no finer aims than these and we can do no better than to do all we can to follow his example.

    “Let us all embrace and spread the gospel of love, tolerance and forgiveness this season and into the New Year. We must commit ourselves to peace and unity. Let us eschew all bitterness and bigotry.

    “The challenges that face the country are difficult ones. But we keep the hope. We must learn from the example of Jesus who faced and overcame the greatest evil. So let us unite to overcome our challenges.

    “We must support President Buhari and complement his efforts in his resolve to stimulate the economy and reposition the country. The President needs our support, understanding and prayers. We must fully break the terrorism of Boko Haram and completely put down the last vestiges of the terrorists.

    “We must continue to pray for the men in uniform who risk their lives to keep us safe and to end this scourge on the nation. I commend our troops battling the terrorists. I thank them again for their courage and bravery.

    “Let us remember those who have been dispossessed of their homes and traumatised by the evil of these terrorists and pray that they all will be able to return home soon and begin their lives anew and better.

    “Yet, we must do more than pray. We all have something to give, something to contribute to the greater good. As Jesus gave of himself that we may live better, we must give of ourselves that others around us may have a better life.

    “I wish you all a joyous Christmas”.

  • Prayer session for Tinubu, Ambode, others

    Prayer session for Tinubu, Ambode, others

    The Mainland Independent Group (MIG), a socio-political movement in the Mainland  Local Government Area, has commended the APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his immense contribution to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

    Speaking on behalf of the group at a special prayer session organized by the group, for peace and progress of Lagos State and Nigeria, its Leader and Chief Co-Ordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Alao Megida, described the APC Leader as a special gift of God to Lagos State and the nation as whole, adding that he represents more than any other political figure, a great hope in the drive to elevate the nation to greater heights of peace, growth and development.

    Hon Megida  seized the opportunity to commend his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who he described  not only as a mother of all mothers, but the best senator that has  ever presided over the political affairs of the Lagos Central Senatorial District.

    They gave kudos to their patron, Hon Tunji Bello, for the huge financial assistance he has continued to render to the group over the years. They described the veteran journalist, lawyer, and Secretary to the Lagos State Government as a pillar of the MIG, a philanthropist and a God-fearing man who, over the years, has continued to use his resources to cater for the welfare of the group, ranging from the elders, widows and the underprivileged as a whole.

    At the elaborate prayer session, which attracted a large turnout of members, prayers were rendered for the governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode, for sustaining the progressive legacy laid down since the Bola Tinubu administration in Lagos State.

    Prayers were also rendered Asiwaju Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hon Bello and Mrs. Ambode, wife of the Lagos State governor.

    Leaders of the group, who were present on the occasion, included Hon Sunday Kotiito, councillor representing Ward B, Yaba LCDA; Hon Kafayat Akinpelu, councillor representing Ward G Mainland L. G; Apostle John Miller; Alhaja Folashade Morenikeji, Woman Leader; Hon Kayode Aransiola , Chairman; Alhaji Ganiyu Salako; Hon. En-Rufai Tajudeen and Alhaji Megida.

  • Tinubu, Ambode, Saudi don, others for GMP convention

    Tinubu, Ambode, Saudi don, others for GMP convention

    The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Professor of Chemical Pathology, King Abdul Azeez University Medical School, Saudi Arabia, Abdulwahab Noor-Wali will lead other personalities to this year’s Guild of Muslim Professionals (GMP) convention.

    The convention, themed “People, Money and Power: The Task Ahead,” is scheduled between Saturday and Tuesday at Peninsular Resort near Budo Hospital on Lagos/Epe Expressway, Lagos.

    Other personalities expected the 5th edition of the annual convention are Secretary-General, Global Network of Religions for Children in Kenya Dr Mustafa Ali, Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Musa Yusuf, Director, New Horizon School, Minna Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, National Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Prof. Ishaq Akintola,  Online Business consultant Kifayah Adeniyi-Omotosho, Ny’mat Akashat-Zibiri of Television Continental (TVC) Your View programme, among others.

    A statement by GMP’s Head of Admin Mr. Sulaiman AbdulKabir said, “The convention focuses on developing programmes that improve the quality of life, expression of true professionalism in the ideal Islamic perspective, realisation of balance and integration of career, spirituality and family.”

    The convention, AbdulKabir said, will feature entrepreneurship opportunity, networking, personal and spiritual development and excursion.

  • Tinubu, Ajimobi, welcome Akala, Folarin, others to APC on Oyo governor’s 68th birthday

    Tinubu, Ajimobi, welcome Akala, Folarin, others to APC on Oyo governor’s 68th birthday

    The National Leader  of  All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, two other governors and other chieftains  of the party yesterday formally received  the immediate past  governor of the  State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate leader, Senator  Teslim Folarin and other top politicians  to the APC.

    Alao-Akala’s deputy while in office, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member of the House of Representatives from the state, Dokun Odebunmi, and a host of others to the party were received at a massive rally at Mapo Hall, Ibadan

    The rally was to also celebrate the 68th birthday of Governor Ajimobi.

    Addressing the huge crowd of party supporters and others who defied the scorching sun to witness the event, Tinubu said the APC has all it takes to accommodate the political heavyweights joining its fold.

    Other defectors were a  former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Ayodele Adigun, the immediate past PDP State Chairman, Yinka Taiwo and five Accord Party members in the state House of Assembly.

    Also joining the APC were  former Speaker of the state assembly, Ashimiyu Alarape; a former member in the House of Representatives, Kamil Akinlabi; a former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Kehinde Olaosebikan; Senator  Brimoh Yussuf; former PDP woman leader, Mrs. Olanrewaju Otiti, Folake Olunloyo, Rauf Olaniyan, Lukeman Oorelope and Kemi Jaiyeoba, among others.

    With the calibre of the new members, Tinubu and Ajimobi said opposition was dead in the state.

    The rally was attended by Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and his Ondo State counterpart, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure and the Deputy National Chairman (South), Segun Oni.

    Tinubu said the APC has “a stainless kitchen” that is large enough to accommodate as many cooks as possible.

    Allaying fears on how to manage the political differences of the political heavyweights joining the party, Tinubu noted that the APC has a variety of menu in the political kitchen for the future of the country.

    He said: “We have a stainless kitchen and we can accommodate as many cooks as possible and because we have a variety of menu in the political kitchen of planning this future, we love those bigwigs and we can accommodate them all. It is in the same forest that you find a hippo that you find an elephant and you will find a rabbit. In political platforms, you must look for the addition not the minus.

    “You can see that the opposition is dead in Oyo State.  Today is important for us because it is the birthday of the Governor Ajimobi and things that have never happened in the history of Oyo State have started happening.

    “Thank God for my friend Alao-Akala and the others for seeing the light. All of you that joined will also join in building the party. The APC house is great for all of us. We are proud of you for joining us. APC is the only progressive party in Nigeria and Africa.”

    He pointed out that it has become very clear that APC would win in 2019.

    While welcoming the defectors in their separate remarks, Aregbesola and Akeredolu said  that the resources and experiences of the individuals would be useful to build a more formidable party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Odebunmi said as the only elected PDP officer from Oyo State, his defection to the APC signaled its final death.

    The lawmaker said he has found out that only the APC and Ajimobi have good programme for youths.

    Alao-Akala said dynamism in politics requires that politicians move with time.

    His words: “To God be the glory. I am moving with time. There is dynamism in politics. We have only one party now in Oyo State. To God be the glory.  There is no more PDP in Oyo State. Everywhere, it is APC. By God’s Grace, Oyo State is now fully APC. I thank Governor Ajimobi for making all the defection possible.

    “He opened his arms all the way and supported efforts to bring people into the fold. By God’s grace, all the defectors have worked under me. The room Ajimobi gave us made all these possible. We shall work with him to move the party forward. We shall be good party members.”

    Ajimobi described the event as one of the unprecedented incidents marking his tenure.

    He called on politicians to forgive themselves of past sins and assured that they will not regret joining the APC.

    Akala, Arapaja, Folarin and Odebunmi later held the APC flag and waved it to the crowd as a seal of their membership of the party.

    APC Chairman in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke welcomed the defectors, saying they should feel at home.

    He said the presence of national officers and the governors at the welcome rally was significant.

     

  • Buhari, Tinubu, Osinbajo and 2019

    Buhari, Tinubu, Osinbajo and 2019

    In its lead story of Wednesday, December 13, the Daily Sun newspaper reported that President Muhammadu Buhari may have decided to pick a top leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as his running mate if he decides to contest the 2019 presidential elections. Citing unnamed ‘competent sources’ within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the report claimed that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has indicated his desire to retire to full time ministry at the church where he has been a pastor for several years. Consequently, according to the newspaper, Buhari plans to pick Tinubu as his running mate in 2019 as the latter is perceived as the only one capable of mobilizing the South West behind the President, which is very crucial in a situation where the South- South and South-East may most likely vote solidly for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    For this kind of very sensitive story to be credible, it ought certainly to have been corroborated by reliable sources within the APC, the camp of Asiwaju Tinubu as well as the offices of President Buhari and Professor Osinbajo. It was not. This column has no business speculating about the motives for the story. Such an enterprise is immaterial and unproductive. But the implications of the report are obvious. It is capable of poisoning relationships within the APC, setting contending tendencies within the party against each other and driving them further apart while making it more difficult for the party to evolve from the 2015 election-winning coalition it was conceived and actualized as into an organizationally cohesive and ideologically coherent political entity.

    Ordinarily, it should be the internal business of party members whether they are able to achieve intra-party harmony or not. But the institutionalization of a stable, viable and resilient party system is a necessary condition for the strengthening and consolidation of the country’s evolving democracy. Political parties are too central and critical to our political process for their affairs to be considered the internal business of party members alone. This is why both the APC and PDP, their current shortcomings notwithstanding, must be assisted to overcome their weaknesses, strengthen their internal structures and processes, overhaul and sanitize their organizational values as well as continuously define and refine their ideological orientation. The effort, energy and resources that went into their formation as potentially viable and durable political structures must not be allowed to go to waste. Yes, several parties will continue to legitimately exist in our multi-party system. But we cannot be eternally creating new party coalitions and alliances if democracy is to be strengthened and stabilized in Nigeria.

    It is a good thing that the Asiwaju Tinubu media office has vigorously and pungently denied the Daily Sun report. The statement issued by the office in response to the report makes it crystal clear that having endorsed and supported Professor Osinbajo’s nomination as Vice-Presidential candidate to Buhari for the 2015 election, there is no looking back for Asiwaju. It is a matter of honour, decency, credibility and integrity. Demonstrating that Tinubu’s backing for Osinbajo stands resolute and constant, his media office succinctly asserted that “Asiwaju Tinubu and the people of the Southwest have absolute confidence and are exceedingly proud of the excellent job Prof. Osinbajo is doing as Vice President of Nigeria”. On what basis, therefore, this implies can anyone logically, morally and justly deny Osinbajo the right to continue in his present role if Buhari is the APC’s choice to fly its flag in 2019?

    Even then, the Daily Sun story raises some pertinent issues, which deserve to be examined. First, it reflects the perception of a so-called frosty relationship between Buhari and Tinubu, which is just thawing. Is there any basis for this? Does Tinubu have cause to entertain any grouse against Buhari as insinuated in some quarters? I don’t think so. Tinubu’s pivotal role both in the formation of the APC and the electoral triumph of the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket is universally acknowledged. This is a historic feat. For one, it has brought the progressives of the South-West to the mainstream of Nigerian politics at the centre for the first time in the country’s history. Even though the process may be slow and protracted, it places the region at a vantage position to exert pressure for its long desired deepening of federalism in Nigeria.

    Again, apart from the Vice presidency, in the APC administration citizens of Yoruba extraction head key Ministries of the federal government including Finance; Works, Power and Housing; Solid Minerals; Information and Culture; Telecommunications and Health. This is in addition to no less than two dozen other persons, Yoruba and non-Yoruba, today playing prominent roles at various levels in various critical agencies and offices in the Buhari administration who were talents spotted by Tinubu as governor of Lagos State, encouraged to go into politics or appointed into public office on merit. This should certainly give Tinubu a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment as it confirms his genius as a talent hunter and inspirational leader capable of discovering and nurturing leadership potentials.

    Furthermore, the Daily SUN story raises the recurrent specter of the role of religion in the country’s public life. For, it insinuated that the fictional 2019 Buhari/Tinubu ticket was in pursuit of the agenda of foisting a Muslim-Muslim ticket on the country. All too often, opportunistic politicians and other individuals and groups stoke religious fears, suspicions and acrimonies in pursuit of their selfish partisan and pecuniary interests. For instance, the federal government’s recent obtaining of Sukuk bonds worth N100 billion for developmental purposes was ridiculously condemned by some religious groups as an attempt to Islamize Nigeria! We must work assiduously towards transcending this unsavoury situation whereby unscrupulous elements exploit base religious sentiments to divide Nigerians and set them against each other.

    It is instructive that President Buhari, an ascetic and fervent Muslim and Vice President Osinbajo, an ardent Christian and pastor are working so closely and effectively together to lift Nigeria to higher socio-economic, political and moral pedestals. Both men are icons of ethical integrity, which demonstrates that elevated virtues are not the monopoly of any religion. Professor Osinbajo, a Christian, was appointed by Tinubu, a Muslim, as Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Lagos State in 1999. For eight years he served as the Chief Law officer of Lagos State and one of the most trusted, respected and influential members of the Tinubu administration. These kinds of example offer hope that religious prejudice, extremism and bigotry can ultimately not triumph in Nigeria. And as for the speculation that Professor Osinbajo plans to go into full time pastoral office rather than continue to offer public service, there can be nothing more nonsensical in my view. He is making much more impact on millions today by being a practical model and example of integrity in leadership.

     

    Ambode transforms Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre 

    Yours truly could not believe his eyes when yesterday, at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, he beheld the brand new, radically modernized and totally transformed Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre from where the press corps that covers activities of the Lagos State government operate. Before the construction of the press centre by the military administration of General Mohammed Buba Marwa, journalists on the Lagos State government had to make use of a small, stuffy room in a block in one of the ministries. When he assumed office in 1999, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu named the edifice the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in honour of The News magazine’s journalist who was murdered by the security goons of the vicious Sani Abacha dictatorship. The structure was upgraded, rehabilitated and given a face lift at various times under the administrations of Asiwaju Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

    What Governor Ambode has turned the edifice into is, however, something else completely. The conference room is equipped with the latest state of the art furniture, digital communication equipment and other facilities that provide an ideal and dignified environment for journalists to do their work. There is now a full scale, high tech, modern editing suite in the building to replace the one inherited by the administration. And the office of the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Haruna, would compete favourably with that of the CEO of a private sector multinational! This edifice once again demonstrates the governor, Mr Akinunmi Ambode’s commitment to the highest standards in the ongoing infrastructure revolution in the state of excellence. It also a reflection of the dynamism and efficiency of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and the Chief Press Secretary with the astute administrative back up of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs. Kofoworola Awobamise.

    On hand to witness the commissioning of the born again Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre by the representative of the governor, Prince. Rotimi Ogunleye, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, were former Chief Press Secretaries, senior media executives and editors as well as representatives of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists and the International Press Centre. Once again, Lagos has shown the light for others to find the way.  This is another feather to governor Ambode’s cap.

  • Group cautions Okorocha over Tinubu

    Group cautions Okorocha over Tinubu

    A group, Friends of Bola Ahmed Tinubu (FOBAT), has criticised Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha over his statement that All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu was “crying more than the bereaved”.

    Its Chairman, Ayodele Fadeyi, told reporters on friday that Okorocha should be diplomatic in his utterances.

    “That was a very rude statement.  He was not talking about a non-entity, he was talking about the national leader of the ruling political party, his own party.  A man that commands over 20 million followers across the country”, Fadeyi, a former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, said.

    Read also: Okorocha: From erections to happiness

    Saying that Okorocha was losing touch, he cautioned the governor against ‘’climbing on Asiwaju’s back to return to relevance.

    “It is too late for anyone to climb on Asiwaju’s back unless you want to break it.  Those of us who know his worth will never allow that to happen,’’ he said.